Have you ever wondered whether it is possible to grow a plant from seed to full maturity in the space of two weeks? Well, although many are resilient and highly adaptable, it is quite rare to find plant species that can mature as early as two weeks.
The only exceptions are microgreens and some vegetable varieties. If you are particularly impatient and want to see results really quickly, then planting these greens in your garden would be the best option.
Most plants will at least start to germinate within two weeks, but as a rule of thumb, they need a few weeks or even months to grow from seed to maturity. Hence, patience is key! Although the wait may be a bit longer, your hard work will be rewarded with beautiful blooms or a bountiful harvest.
But, if you are up for the challenge of growing a plant to maturity in two weeks, we have listed some of the best varieties for you to try, so do check them out below!
Vegetable plants that grow in two weeks
Although most vegetables, including leafy greens, would generally take about 40 to 70 days to grow from seed to harvest, there are some varieties that you can grow within two weeks! So, if you want to enjoy a good harvest in a really short period, here are some leafy greens we recommend:
1. Garden cress
One of the easiest vegetables to grow in your garden is garden cress. These mounding perennials need very little attention and will grow happily in your garden beds without any complaint. They can also be grown in a hanging basket or any other plant container if you are a little short on space!
Known as halim in Hindi, garden cress is commonly used as a garnish or add-on to salads. The herb can also be used in soups or as a garnish on sandwiches, thanks to its tangy, peppery flavor.
Garden cress is quite nutrient-dense, too; these leafy greens are rich in vitamins A, C, D, K, and folate. The seeds are significantly high in omega-3 fatty acids, making them a great addition to your diet to protect your cardiac health.
Garden cress can be harvested as early as two weeks from planting. To successfully grow this super green, remember to plant the seeds three to four inches apart and a quarter to a half inch deep in the soil. The seeds can be grown outdoors about two weeks before the last frost. After five to 15 days, the seedlings should start to show roots and leaves.
2. Arugula
If you love salads, you are probably well-acquainted with arugula leaves already. But these tasty leaves are not just great for salads – they can be sauteed or steamed with other leafy greens, too!
Also known as roquette, or rocket, arugula is mostly loved for its tangy, mustard-like flavor. It is good for you, too, being rich in calcium, potassium, and antioxidants.
Arugula grows best in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. It also prefers slightly acidic soil – anywhere in the range of pH 6.0 to 7.0. The arugula seeds can be sown directly in the ground, but they will also do well in raised beds and planters, as long as the soil temperature is maintained at or near 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds can germinate pretty fast – as early as seven days, especially during the summer months.
The younger leaves of the plant can be harvested within three weeks and used in your salads. For a continuous harvest, make sure to sow new arugula seeds once every two to three weeks.
3. Pea shoots
Pea shoots are the tiny, delicate leaves and stems commonly harvested from any pea plant, including English peas, snow peas, and sugar snap peas. These little greens are also super easy to grow and can be ready for harvest in as little as two weeks. Not only are they fast-growing; they are tasty and nutritious, too! Like most leafy greens, pea shoots are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants that can help to fight cancer and inflammation.
If you are new to home gardening, then planting pea shoots can be a great option. Since they grow very fast and are extremely tolerant of shady areas, it can be easy as well as rewarding to grow pea shoots in your garden. You only need to wait about two to three weeks to enjoy the young leaves in your salads and sandwiches!
The secret to growing pea shoots successfully is to soak your dry peas in water overnight before planting them. The next day, plant the soaked peas in your preferred container or planting tray. We recommend growing trays made of durable materials, such as this seed starter tray from Amazon.
And here is our bonus tip to make your pea plants grow bushier: trim the tips of your plants about two to six inches every three weeks. This will encourage the growth of new leaves and stems for a continuous harvest of pea shoots, or until your plants produce peas.
4. Baby bok choy
There is nothing more satisfying than cooking fresh, healthy greens straight from your own garden! One of the fastest-growing vegetables you can grow is bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage known for its smooth, tender leaves and white stalks that resemble celery.
Bok choy contains loads of vitamins and antioxidants, making it a superfood similar to other greens like spinach. In fact, this Chinese cabbage has more vitamin C and A than most other leafy greens. So, if you want to include the healthiest greens in your diet, you cannot go wrong planting bok choy in your garden.
To grow this vegetable, you can either sow the seeds directly in your garden after the frost, or grow the seedlings indoors from four weeks before the last frost. Plant the seeds about half an inch apart and a quarter inch deep in the soil. When transferring the seedlings into the ground, make sure to space them about six to 12 inches apart for adequate growing space. Harvest the young leaves when the plants reach about five inches tall. For a continuous harvest, plant more bok choy every four to six weeks.
5. Microgreens
Growing microgreens in your own backyard can have numerous benefits. These young greens are not only seriously tasty; they are also packed with more vitamins and nutrients than full-grown greens! Depending on the type you are growing, microgreens offer an intense, aromatic flavor that makes them a great addition to salads, smoothies, tacos, and omelets.
Some of the more common microgreens you can grow in your garden include:
- Broccoli
- Lettuce
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Oregano
- Radish
- Alfalfa
- Spinach
- Cauliflower
- Mustard
To plant your microgreens, you will need a light source, seeds of your chosen variety, and a growing tray. If you plan to use a seed sprouter tray, you will not even need soil! Simply sow your seeds at the bottom of this tray, fill it with some water, put its cover on, and let it sit under a light source until the seeds germinate. Continue watering the seeds twice a day until they begin to sprout. Then, let your micro herbs grow a little bit and, within about two weeks, you can enjoy them as toppings on your sandwiches or garnish on your salads!
Other fast-growing plants
Although vegetables are the most popular option to grow in two weeks, there are also some other plants that can grow within a few weeks.
If you enjoy growing flowers to add a touch of color to your bare landscape, then here is a list for you! These flowers only need about 60 to 70 days to bloom from seed under the right growing conditions. Some of your options include:
- Sweet alyssum
- Johnny jump-ups
- Nigella
- Annual phlox
- Poppies
- Sunflowers
- Cornflowers
- Calendula
- Marigold
You can also try a variety of fast-growing houseplants if you prefer your garden indoors. Although they will not shoot up quite as fast as two weeks, these plants are forgiving and easy to care for, even in not-so-ideal growing conditions. Here are some popular options that will reward you with bushy growth in a relatively short period:
- Arrowhead plant
- Aloe vera
- Philodendron
- Pothos
- Billbergia nutans
- Silver squill
- Swedish ivy
- Wandering sailor
- Asparagus fern
- Spider plant
- Turtle vine
How much do plants grow in two weeks?
Different species of plants have different growth rates, so there is no definite answer as to how much a plant will grow in two weeks. Generally, plants can grow up to an inch every week, depending on the variety as well as on several other factors like fertilizer application, environmental temperature, light exposure, and the amount of water they receive.
Annuals and perennials, for example, can generally grow about an inch or two in the space of two weeks. Fast-growing evergreen shrubs, on the other hand, might grow 0.9 inches in two weeks. Slower varieties of evergreens will need more of your patience as they can only grow about 0.02 inches in two weeks. Trees will also grow at about that rate – about a half an inch to over an inch in the same time frame, depending on the variety.
Hence, if you are growing plants in your backyard, an inch of growth after two weeks is generally a good indicator. Other factors, like the size and color of the leaves, should also be taken into consideration.
Conclusion
Growing any type of plant requires a certain time frame before you see it bloom and mature. Most plant seeds will begin to sprout within ten days, while some vegetables can grow quickly enough to be ready for harvest within two weeks. Most houseplants can grow about an inch in two weeks, but they will need a few more months to reach their full-grown size.
So, if the time of growth matters to you, make sure to choose a fast-growing plant variety for your garden. Hopefully, this guide has already given you some idea as to what to grow in the next summer season!
Image: istockphoto.com / letterberry
